SWY16 - Cultural Attaché Meets SWYs in Bergen

On May 25th the cultural attaché from the Japanese Embassy of Norway, Mr. Ishida, visited Bergen. Bergen is the second largest city of Norway with about 230 000 inhabitants. Besides being nicknamed the Gateway to the Fjords and having gained a place on the momentous UNESCO’s World Heritage List, it is also the hometown of SWY16 participants Rita Hjoennevaag and Sverre Tvinnereim.

Mr. Ishidas visited the city to assist the show “Hibiki”, which was performed by a Japanese theatre group. The event must be seen in connection with Norway’s biggest cultural event, the Bergen International Festival, which is a yearly gathering of both domestically and internationally recognized artists.

Cultural attaché Mr. Ishida together with SWY16 delegates Rita Hjoennevaag and Sverre Tvinnereim.

Then what could be more suiting than for us to meet him at the best sushi- restaurant in town? This afternoon the ex- SWY participants shared an encouraging conversation as well a delightful meal together with the official from the Embassy. We presented the structure and main goals of our alumni association, and pointed out future challenges.

Furthermore we discussed how we together could organize cultural events in Bergen to commemorate the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Norway which will take place in 2005.

Hopefully we will be able to achieve support from the Japanese residents of the city and local people who have a liking for Japanese culture and language. Most of these are members of the Social Club named “Tanoshiikai”.

As already pointed out, it was a very pleasant encounter. However, a couple of hours later the group had to dissemble as the cultural attaché was on his way to the show and the SWYs had to study for upcoming exams…

Rita Yoko Hjønnesvåg